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Purchase all supplies such as uniforms and stationery – break in new school shoes
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Practise public transport, driving and walking routes to school
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Encourage your child to be organised, set goals, seek support and be resilient
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Use the family fridge for timetables and important dates
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Choose a designated homework space for study
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Don’t let phones and devices interrupt homework and family time
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Pack the night before school starts and get a good night’s sleep
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Check in after school with open-ended questions about the day
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Reassure your child that their family and teachers are there to support them
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Remember, Year 7 is a partnership between students, families and schools. Stay in touch.
Moving from primary school to high school is a significant step in a student’s education.
With school returning for 2024 in two weeks’ time, simple steps can be taken now to make this transition a smooth one.
Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said about 53,000 students will start Year 7 from 30 January.
“I wish the Year 7 class of ’24 a fun and engaging year of learning and wellbeing growth,” Mr Dizdar said.
“Starting high school is such an important transition point in our students’ education journey.
“Every day at school matters to the educational and life outcomes of our young people. We ask families to support our schools and ensure their children develop good attendance habits.”
Nerves are natural, according to experienced principals, but getting organised for high school in the school holidays can help students and their families with the ‘butterflies’.
Renee George, relieving principal of Birrong Girls High School, said families could practise the public transport, driving or walking routes to school.
“Ensure your new Year 7 student knows the travel arrangements and the correct train, bus or ferry to catch,” Ms George said.
Parents can apply now to Transport for NSW for school travel passes or school Opal cards, which can be used for free travel to and from school or TAFE.
Select a homework space with a desk or table where the Year 7 student will study. Ms George recommends a place in the main family area where parents can support their children.
School supplies such as uniforms and stationery including a diary can be purchased now. Many schools provide stationery lists on their website.
Chifley College, Shalvey Campus principal, Jenny Linklater, said it was important that parents “get to know their school”.
Parents could get their children excited for Year 7 by purchasing learning items from the school equipment and book lists.
“Get uniforms ready and break in your new shoes,” Ms Linklater said.
Albury High School relieving principal Damian Toohey is a fan of holiday reading.
“Picking up a great book for 20 minutes a day during the holidays helps students build their confidence and a strong habit for Year 7,” Mr Toohey said.
"Year 7 is a chance to form new bonds and build social skills. Parents can encourage students to mix and meet new people; it’s so important to form a strong school community.”
Help your Year 7 student become organised, with a bit of support from the family fridge.
“Ask your child about their bell times and timetable and display copies on the fridge. Add a blank calendar for activities, excursions, incursions and deadlines,” Ms George said.
Concord High School principal Victor Newby said learning organisational skills was important.
“High school requires a much greater level of organisation than primary school and many young people can struggle with this,” he said.
Students cannot use mobile phones in NSW public schools and device use should be limited at home, so they don’t distract from homework and family time.
The night before school starts, support the Year 7 starters to prepare their uniform, pack their bag and have their lunchbox and drink bottle ready for filling.
“After a quick reminder they will have more teachers and classrooms than before, it’s off to bed for an early night and a good sleep,” Ms George said.
“All your holiday planning will pay off in the morning.”
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